Connector assembly and connector assembly with face shield for a clothing garment

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly for a hood of a hooded shirt, including a first connector element operatively arranged to be removably secured to a first side of the hood, the first connector element including a first inferior component, a first superior component hingedly connected to the first inferior component, and a first support, and a second connector element operatively arranged to be removably secured to a second side of the hood, the second side being opposite the first side, the second connector element including a second inferior component, a second superior component hingedly connected to the second inferior component, and a second support, wherein the second connector element is operatively arranged to be removably connected to the first connector element.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to connectors for clothing garments, andmore particularly, to a connector assembly for a hood of a clothinggarment, and even more particularly, to a connector assembly arranged todraw together a hood of a clothing garment such that a face covering isformed.

BACKGROUND

Face coverings are used to protect a user's face, to prevent particlesfrom entering a user's body, or prevent limit the expulsion of particlesfrom a user's body. For example, face coverings may be desired in coldweather environments to protect a user's face from cold temperatures aswell as snow, sleet, wind, rain, etc. More importantly, however, facecoverings have become massively important due to the outbreak ofCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Not only are face coverings desiredfor personal protection from the possible transmission of disease, butare mandatory in many jurisdictions in the United States and throughoutthe world. Thus, the marketplace is flooded with orders for facecoverings and masks.

Current face covering and mask designs comprise a piece of materialforming the face covering and two straps that wrap around the user'sears to hold the face covering in place. However, current face coveringsare often inconvenient because a user may forget the mask at home.Current designs also are not sufficient in protecting the user's facefrom the environment (i.e., cold weather). Furthermore, current designsdo not have decorative or interchangeable decorative designs thereon.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need for a connector assembly thatsecures to a hooded clothing garment in order to transform the hood intoa face covering. There is also a long-felt need for such a connectorassembly to provide for interchangeable face covering assemblies so asto swap out face covers when the become worn or dirty or to update thedecorative appearance thereof.

SUMMARY

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a connectorassembly for a hood of a hooded shirt, comprising a first connectorelement operatively arranged to be removably secured to a first side ofthe hood, the first connector element including a first inferiorcomponent, a first superior component hingedly connected to the firstinferior component, and a first support, and a second connector elementoperatively arranged to be removably secured to a second side of thehood, the second side being opposite the first side, the secondconnector element including a second inferior component, a secondsuperior component hingedly connected to the second inferior component,and a second support, wherein the second connector element isoperatively arranged to be removably connected to the first connectorelement.

In some embodiments, the first connector element comprises a firstmagnet, the second connector element comprises a second magnet, and thesecond magnet is arranged to engage the first magnet to connect thesecond connector element to the first connector element. In someembodiments, the first magnet is fixedly secured to the first supportand the second magnet is fixedly secured to the second support. In someembodiments, the connector assembly further comprises a third magnetconnected to the first support, wherein the first magnet is arranged ona first side of the support and faces a first direction and the thirdmagnet is arranged on a second side of the support and faces a seconddirection, the second direction being opposite the first direction. Insome embodiments, the first connector element further comprises a firstlever rotatably connected to the first inferior component, and when thefirst lever is rotated in a first rotational direction the firstsuperior component is displaced toward the first inferior component. Insome embodiments, the first connector element comprises a first siliconelayer, and the first silicone layer is arranged at least partially on atleast one of the first lever and the first support. In some embodiments,at least one of the first connector element and the second connectorelement comprises a silicone layer. In some embodiments, the connectorassembly further comprises a face covering assembly removablyconnectable to at least one of the first connector element and thesecond connector element. In some embodiments, the face coveringassembly comprises a decorative face cover.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a connectorassembly for a hood of a hooded shirt, comprising a first connectorelement operatively arranged to be removably secured to a first side ofthe hood, the first connector element including a first inferiorcomponent, a first superior component hingedly connected to the firstinferior component, a first support, and a first magnet connected to thefirst support, and a second connector element operatively arranged to beremovably secured to a second side of the hood, the second side beingopposite the first side, the second connector element including a secondinferior component, a second superior component hingedly connected tothe second inferior component, a second support, and a second magnetconnected to the second support, wherein the second magnet isoperatively arranged to engage the first magnet to removably connect thesecond connector element to the first connector element.

In some embodiments, the first support is slidably engaged with thefirst inferior component and the second support is slidably engaged withthe second inferior component. In some embodiments, the connectorassembly further comprises a third magnet connected to the firstsupport, wherein the first magnet is arranged on a first side of thesupport and faces a first direction and the third magnet is arranged ona second side of the support and faces a second direction, the seconddirection being opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, theconnector assembly further comprises a face covering assembly removablyconnectable to the third magnet. In some embodiments, the firstconnector element further comprises a first lever rotatably connected tothe first inferior component, and when the first lever is rotated in afirst rotational direction the first superior component is displacedtoward the first inferior component. In some embodiments, the firstconnector element comprises a first silicone layer, and the firstsilicone layer is arranged at least partially on at least one of thefirst lever and the first support. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe first connector element and the second connector element comprises asilicone layer. In some embodiments, the connector assembly furthercomprises a face covering assembly removably connectable to at least oneof the first connector element and the second connector element. In someembodiments, the face covering assembly comprises a decorative facecover. In some embodiments, at least one of the first inferior componentand the first superior component comprises one or more first teeth, andat least one of the second inferior component and the second superiorcomponent comprises one or more second teeth.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a connectorassembly for a clothing garment, comprising a first connector elementoperatively arranged to be removably secured to a first side of theclothing garment, the first connector element including a first inferiorcomponent, a first superior component hingedly connected to the firstinferior component, a first support, and a first magnet connected to thefirst support, a second connector element operatively arranged to beremovably secured to a second side of the clothing garment, the secondside being opposite the first side, the second connector elementincluding a second inferior component, a second superior componenthingedly connected to the second inferior component, a second support, asecond magnet connected to a first side of the second support, and athird magnet connected to a second side of the second support, thesecond side being opposite the first side, wherein the second magnet isoperatively arranged to engage the first magnet to removably connect thesecond connector element to the first connector element, and a facecovering assembly operatively arranged to be removably connected to thethird magnet.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the followingdetailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which correspondingreference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hooded shirt including a connectorassembly in an unconnected state;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the hooded shirt including theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 1A, in a connected state;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the hooded shirt including theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 1B including a face covering assembly;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a connector assembly in the connectedstate with the connector elements in an unclamped state;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 2Awith the connector elements in a clamped state;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly;

FIG. 4A is a top elevational view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 3 ;

FIG. 4B is front elevational view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a top elevational exploded schematic view of a connectorassembly; and,

FIG. 6 is a top elevational exploded schematic view of a connectorassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are notlimited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and assuch may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only,and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood thatany methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in the practice or testing of the exampleembodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven byhydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.

It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymouswith terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,”“around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in theneighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be usedinterchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It shouldbe appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms suchas “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,”“adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably asappearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” isintended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application iswith respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise.For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood thatthis can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the otherof A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word“or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example,an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” wouldrequire that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein,“and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicatethat one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be includedor occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a secondelement and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any oneof the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a firstelement; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising athird element; a device comprising a first element and a second element;a device comprising a first element and a third element; a devicecomprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, adevice comprising a second element and a third element.

Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and“comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element isintended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of theelements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising atleast one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element,is intended to be construed as any one of the following structuralarrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising asecond element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprisinga first element and a second element; a device comprising a firstelement and a third element; a device comprising a first element, asecond element and a third element; or, a device comprising a secondelement and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended whenthe phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. Furthermore, asused herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction usedto indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited maybe included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element,a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed asany one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising afirst element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprisinga third element; a device comprising a first element and a secondelement; a device comprising a first element and a third element; adevice comprising a first element, a second element and a third element;or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of hoodedshirt or hoodie or hooded garment 1 including connector assembly 10 inan unconnected state. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of hooded shirt 1including connector assembly 10, in a connected state. FIG. 1C is aperspective view of hooded shirt 1 including connector assembly 10including face covering assembly 50. Hooded shirt 1 generally compriseshood 2, drawstrings or drawstring portions 3A-3B, and zipper or buttons5. The following description should be read in view of FIGS. 1A-C.

Hooded shirt 1 is generally a hooded sweatshirt, jacket, or other topoperatively arranged to be worn be a user. Hooded shirt 1 comprises hood2 which engages the user's head, as is known in the art. Hood 2comprises first side 6A and second side 6B arranged diametricallyopposite first side 6A. First side 6A comprises first port 4A arrangedproximate to or at the bottom of hood 2 (i.e., where hood 2 meets thetorso/shoulders portion of hooded shirt 1) and second side 6B comprisessecond port 4B arranged proximate to or at the bottom of hood 2. Hoodedshirt 1 further comprises at least one draw string which engages hood 2in order to tighten or loosen hood 2 about user's face 8. For example,hood 2 may comprise one drawstring including drawstring portion 3A thatengages port 4A and drawstring portion 3B that engages port 4B. In someembodiments, hood 2 comprises two drawstrings.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-C, connector assembly 10 is arranged on hoodedshirt 1, specifically, hood 2. Specifically, connector element 20A isconnected to side 6B of hood 2 at a distance D2 above port 4B. It shouldbe appreciated that connector assembly 10 is operatively arranged toclose hood 2 over the user's face 8, proximate the user's mouth andnose. This is why connector elements 20A-B are arranged at a verticaldistance from ports 4A-B. Connector assembly 10 will be described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of connector assembly 10 in the connectedstate with connector elements 20A and 20B in an unclamped state. FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of the connector assembly 10 with the connectorelements 20A and 20B in a clamped state. FIG. 3 is an explodedperspective view of connector assembly 10. FIG. 4A is a top elevationalview of connector assembly 10. FIG. 4B is front elevational view ofconnector assembly 10. FIG. 5 is a top elevational exploded schematicview of connector assembly 10. Connector assembly 10 generally comprisesconnector element 20A and connector element 20B. In some embodiments,connector assembly 10 further comprises face covering assembly 50. Thefollowing description should be read in view of FIGS. 1A-5 .

Connector assembly 20A comprises inferior component 22A, superiorcomponent 26A hingedly or pivotably connected to inferior component 22A,and support 34A fixedly secured to and extending from inferior component22A. Inferior component 22A comprises one or more teeth 24A extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward superior component 26A.Superior component 26A comprises one or more teeth 28A extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward inferior component 22A.Connector element 20A further comprises lever or clamping element 32Awhich is pivotably connected to inferior component 22A via pivot 30A.Lever 32A is operatively arranged to rotationally displace relative toinferior component 22A to clamp superior component 26A down ontoinferior component 22A. In doing so, teeth 28A and teeth 24A will gripan element therebetween, specifically, hood 2. In some embodiments,inferior component 22A comprises at least one flange (e.g., two flanges)that extend generally perpendicular therefrom. The flange comprises athrough-bore and the lever comprises a protrusion that engages thethrough-bore to pivotably connect lever 32A to inferior component 22A.

Connector element 20A further comprises magnet 36A fixedly secured tosupport 34A. Specifically, magnet 36A is fixedly secured to a first sideof support 34A, the first side of support 34A being the side directedtoward superior component 26A. Magnet 36A is operatively arranged toengage magnet 36B to removably connect connector element 20A toconnector element 20B, as will be described in greater detail below. Insome embodiments, support 34A is slidingly engaged with inferiorcomponent 22A. In such embodiments, the total length of connectorelement 20A is adjustable. This is beneficial because it allows hood 2to be pulled tighter or looser around the user's face 8. For example, ifthe user wants, in the connected state, no gap between side 6A and side6B, support 34A should be displaced toward inferior component 22A inorder to reduce/minimize the total length of connector element 20A. Ifthe user wants, in the connected state, a gap between side 6A and side6B, support 34A should be displaced away from inferior component 22A inorder to increase the total length of connector element 20A.

Connector assembly 10 further comprises magnet 38 arranged on one ofconnector element 20A and connector element 20B. In the embodimentshown, magnet 38 is fixedly secured to connector element 20A.Specifically, magnet 38 is fixedly secured to a second side of support34A, opposite the first side (i.e., where magnet 36A is secured). Insome embodiments, magnet 38 is fixedly secured to inferior component22A. It should be appreciated that magnet 36A is connected to connectorelement 20A and faces in a first direction, and magnet 38 is connectedto connector element 20A and faces in a second direction, opposite thefirst direction.

To assemble connector element 20A, hood 2 should be positioned betweeninferior component 22A and superior component 26A, in the unclampedstate (see FIG. 2A). Then, lever 32A is rotated thereby displacingsuperior component 26A toward inferior component 22A to squeeze hood 2therebetween, forming the clamped state (see FIG. 2B). Connector element20A is operatively arranged to be connected to side 6B of hood 2 suchthat magnet 38 faces away from user's face 8 and magnet 36A faces towarduser's face 8. Additionally, and as shown, connector element 20A isarranged at distance D2 above port 4B. In some embodiments, distance D2is equal to half of the total height of hood 2 when arranged on a user'shead.

Connector assembly 20B comprises inferior component 22B, superiorcomponent 26B hingedly or pivotably connected to inferior component 22B,and support 34B fixedly secured to and extending from inferior component22B. Inferior component 22B comprises one or more teeth 24B extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward superior component 26B.Superior component 26B comprises one or more teeth 28B extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward inferior component 22B.Connector element 20B further comprises lever or clamping element 32Bwhich is pivotably connected to inferior component 22B via pivot 30B.Lever 32B is operatively arranged to rotationally displace relative toinferior component 22B to clamp superior component 26B down ontoinferior component 22B. In doing so, teeth 28B and teeth 24B will gripan element therebetween, specifically, hood 2. In some embodiments,inferior component 22B comprises at least one flange (e.g., two flanges)that extend generally perpendicular therefrom. The flange comprises athrough-bore and the lever comprises a protrusion that engages thethrough-bore to pivotably connect lever 32B to inferior component 22B.

Connector element 20B further comprises magnet 36B fixedly secured tosupport 34B. Specifically, magnet 36B is fixedly secured to a first sideof support 34B, the first side of support 34B being the side directedtoward superior component 26B. Magnet 36B is operatively arranged toengage magnet 36A to removably connect connector element 20B toconnector element 20A, as will be described in greater detail below. Insome embodiments, support 34B is slidingly engaged with inferiorcomponent 22B. In such embodiments, the total length of connectorelement 20B is adjustable. This is beneficial because it allows hood 2to be pulled tighter or looser around the user's face 8. For example, ifthe user wants, in the connected state, no gap between side 6A and side6B, support 34B should be displaced toward inferior component 22B inorder to reduce/minimize the total length of connector element 20B. Ifthe user wants, in the connected state, a gap between side 6A and side6B, support 34B should be displaced away from inferior component 22B inorder to increase the total length of connector element 20B.

To assemble connector element 20B, hood 2 should be positioned betweeninferior component 22B and superior component 26B, in the unclampedstate (see FIG. 2A).

Then, lever 32B is rotated thereby displacing superior component 26Btoward inferior component 22B to squeeze hood 2 therebetween, formingthe clamped state (see FIG. 2B). Connector element 20B is operativelyarranged to be connected to side 6B of hood 2 such that magnet 36B facesaway from user's face 8. Additionally, and as shown, connector element20B is arranged at distance D1 above port 4A. In some embodiments,distance D1 is equal to half of the total height of hood 2 when arrangedon a user's head. In some embodiments, distance D2 is equal to distanceD1. In some embodiments, distance D2 is nonequal to distance D1.

Once connector elements 20A and 20B are clamped to hood 2 they are drawntogether and magnet 36A, which faces toward the user's face 8, engageswith magnet 36B, which faces away from the user's face 8.

In some embodiments, connector assembly 10 further comprises facecovering assembly 50. Face covering assembly 50 comprises face cover 52and magnet 54. Magnet 54 is fixedly secured to face cover 52 and isoperatively arranged to be removably connected to magnet 38. Face cover52 is designed to cover at least a portion of the user's face 8. In someembodiments, face cover 52 comprises a decorative or ornamental designor facade, such as fake lips or a Halloween mask. In some embodiments,face cover 52 comprises a medical face mask or face mask operativelyarranged to limit the flow of particles to a person's face or from aperson's face. For example, a surgical or COVID-19 mask may be securedto at least one of connector elements 20A-B via magnetic connection.When the mask becomes soiled, it can be removed and washed or replacedwith a new mask.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIG. 5 , connector assembly 10may further comprise a layer of material on a surface directed towardthe user's face 8. For example, connector element 20A comprises layer40A and connector element 20B comprises layer 40B. In some embodiments,layer 40A comprises silicone or another polymer and is arranged at leastpartially on at least one of lever 32A and support 34A. Layer 40A isoperatively arranged to contact the user's face 8. Thus, the material oflayer 40A should be soft such that it is comfortable on skin. In someembodiments, layer 40B comprises silicone or another polymer and isarranged at least partially on at least one of lever 32B and support34B. Layer 40B is operatively arranged to contact the user's face 8.Thus, the material of layer 40B should be soft such that it iscomfortable on skin.

FIG. 6 is a top elevational exploded schematic view of connectorassembly 110. Connector assembly 110 generally comprises connectorelement 120A and connector element 120B. In some embodiments, connectorassembly 110 further comprises face covering assembly 150.

Connector assembly 120A comprises inferior component 122A, superiorcomponent 126A hingedly or pivotably connected to inferior component122A, and support 134A fixedly secured to and extending from inferiorcomponent 122A. Inferior component 122A comprises one or more teeth 124Aextending therefrom in a direction generally toward superior component126A. Superior component 126A comprises one or more teeth 128A extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward inferior component 122A.Connector element 120A further comprises lever or clamping element 132Awhich is pivotably connected to inferior component 122A via pivot 130A.Lever 132A is operatively arranged to rotationally displace relative toinferior component 122A to clamp superior component 126A down ontoinferior component 122A. In doing so, teeth 128A and teeth 124A willgrip an element therebetween, specifically, hood 2. In some embodiments,inferior component 122A comprises at least one flange (e.g., twoflanges) that extend generally perpendicular therefrom. The flangecomprises a through-bore and the lever comprises a protrusion thatengages the through-bore to pivotably connect lever 132A to inferiorcomponent 122A.

Connector element 120A further comprises magnet 136A fixedly secured tosupport 134A. Specifically, magnet 136A is fixedly secured to a firstside of support 134A, the first side of support 134A being the side thatis perpendicular to inferior component 122A. Magnet 136A is operativelyarranged to engage magnet 136B to removably connect connector element120A to connector element 120B, as will be described in greater detailbelow. In some embodiments, support 134A is slidingly engaged withinferior component 122A. In such embodiments, the total length ofconnector element 120A is adjustable. This is beneficial because itallows hood 2 to be pulled tighter or looser around the user's face 8.For example, if the user wants, in the connected state, no gap betweenside 6A and side 6B, support 134A should be displaced toward inferiorcomponent 22A in order to reduce/minimize the total length of connectorelement 120A. If the user wants, in the connected state, a gap betweenside 6A and side 6B, support 134A should be displaced away from inferiorcomponent 122A in order to increase the total length of connectorelement 120A.

Connector assembly 110 further comprises magnet 138 arranged on one ofconnector element 120A and connector element 120B. In the embodimentshown, magnet 138 is fixedly secured to connector element 120A.Specifically, magnet 138 is fixedly secured to a second side of support134A, perpendicular to the first side (i.e., where magnet 136A issecured). In some embodiments, magnet 138 is fixedly secured to inferiorcomponent 122A. It should be appreciated that magnet 136A is connectedto connector element 120A and faces in a first direction, and magnet 138is connected to connector element 120A and faces in a second direction,perpendicular to the first direction.

To assemble connector element 120A, hood 2 should be positioned betweeninferior component 122A and superior component 126A, in the unclampedstate. Then, lever 132A is rotated thereby displacing superior component126A toward inferior component 122A to squeeze hood 2 therebetween,forming the clamped state. Connector element 120A is operativelyarranged to be connected to side 6B of hood 2 such that magnet 138 facesaway from user's face 8 and magnet 136A faces toward connector element120B. Additionally, connector element 120A should be arranged at adistance above port 4B.

Connector assembly 120B comprises inferior component 122B, superiorcomponent 126B hingedly or pivotably connected to inferior component122B, and support 134B fixedly secured to and extending from inferiorcomponent 122B. Inferior component 122B comprises one or more teeth 124Bextending therefrom in a direction generally toward superior component126B. Superior component 126B comprises one or more teeth 128B extendingtherefrom in a direction generally toward inferior component 122B.Connector element 120B further comprises lever or clamping element 132Bwhich is pivotably connected to inferior component 122B via pivot 130B.Lever 132B is operatively arranged to rotationally displace relative toinferior component 122B to clamp superior component 126B down ontoinferior component 122B. In doing so, teeth 128B and teeth 124B willgrip an element therebetween, specifically, hood 2. In some embodiments,inferior component 122B comprises at least one flange (e.g., twoflanges) that extend generally perpendicular therefrom. The flangecomprises a through-bore and the lever comprises a protrusion thatengages the through-bore to pivotably connect lever 132B to inferiorcomponent 122B.

Connector element 120B further comprises magnet 136B fixedly secured tosupport 134B. Specifically, magnet 136B is fixedly secured to a firstside of support 134B, the first side of support 134B being the sideperpendicular to inferior component 122B. Magnet 136B is operativelyarranged to engage magnet 136A to removably connect connector element120B to connector element 120A, as will be described in greater detailbelow. In some embodiments, support 134B is slidingly engaged withinferior component 122B. In such embodiments, the total length ofconnector element 120B is adjustable. This is beneficial because itallows hood 2 to be pulled tighter or looser around the user's face 8.For example, if the user wants, in the connected state, no gap betweenside 6A and side 6B, support 134B should be displaced toward inferiorcomponent 122B in order to reduce/minimize the total length of connectorelement 120B. If the user wants, in the connected state, a gap betweenside 6A and side 6B, support 134B should be displaced away from inferiorcomponent 122B in order to increase the total length of connectorelement 120B.

To assemble connector element 120B, hood 2 should be positioned betweeninferior component 122B and superior component 126B, in the unclampedstate. Then, lever 132B is rotated thereby displacing superior component126B toward inferior component 122B to squeeze hood 2 therebetween,forming the clamped state (see FIG. 2B). Connector element 120B isoperatively arranged to be connected to side 6B of hood 2 such thatmagnet 136B faces toward connector element 120A. Additionally, connectorelement 120B should be arranged at a distance above port 4A.

Once connector elements 120A and 120B are clamped to hood 2 they aredrawn together and magnet 136A engages with magnet 36B.

In some embodiments, connector assembly 110 further comprises facecovering assembly 150. Face covering assembly 150 comprises face cover152 and magnet 154. Magnet 154 is fixedly secured to face cover 152 andis operatively arranged to be removably connected to magnet 138. Facecover 152 is designed to cover at least a portion of the user's face 8.In some embodiments, face cover 152 comprises a decorative or ornamentaldesign or facade, such as fake lips or a Halloween mask. In someembodiments, face cover 152 comprises a medical face mask or face maskoperatively arranged to limit the flow of particles to a person's faceor from a person's face. For example, a surgical or COVID-19 mask may besecured to at least one of connector elements 120A-B via magneticconnection. When the mask becomes soiled, it can be removed and washedor replaced with a new mask.

In some embodiments, connector assembly 110 may further comprise a layerof material on a surface directed toward the user's face 8. For example,connector element 120A comprises layer 140A and connector element 120Bcomprises layer 140B. In some embodiments, layer 140A comprises siliconeor another polymer and is arranged at least partially on at least one oflever 132A and support 134A. Layer 140A is operatively arranged tocontact the user's face 8. Thus, the material of layer 140A should besoft such that it is comfortable on skin. In some embodiments, layer140B comprises silicone or another polymer and is arranged at leastpartially on at least one of lever 132B and support 134B. Layer 140B isoperatively arranged to contact the user's face 8. Thus, the material oflayer 140B should be soft such that it is comfortable on skin.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, connector elements20A-B, 120A-B connect to hood 2 via a magnetic connection instead of aclamping clip-type connection.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above andother features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Variouspresently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by thoseskilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Hooded shirt or hoodie or hooded garment-   2 Hood-   3A Drawstring or drawstring portion-   3B Drawstring or drawstring portion-   4A Port-   4B Port-   5 Zipper-   6A Side-   6B Side-   8 Face-   10 Connector assembly-   20A Connector element-   20B Connector element-   22A Inferior component-   22B Inferior component-   24A Teeth-   24B Teeth-   26A Superior component-   26B Superior component-   28A Teeth-   28B Teeth-   30A Pivot-   30B Pivot-   32A Lever or clamping element-   32B Lever or clamping element-   34A Support-   34B Support-   36A Magnet-   36B Magnet-   38 Magnet-   40A Layer or silicone layer or polymer layer-   40B Layer or silicone layer or polymer layer-   50 Face covering assembly-   52 Face cover-   54 Magnet-   110 Connector assembly-   120A Connector element-   120B Connector element-   122A Inferior component-   122B Inferior component-   124A Teeth-   124B Teeth-   126A Superior component-   126B Superior component-   128A Teeth-   128B Teeth-   130A Pivot-   130B Pivot-   132A Lever or clamping element-   132B Lever or clamping element-   134A Support-   134B Support-   136A Magnet-   136B Magnet-   138 Magnet-   140A Layer or silicone layer or polymer layer-   140B Layer or silicone layer or polymer layer-   150 Face covering assembly-   152 Face cover-   154 Magnet-   D1 Distance-   D2 Distance

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly for a hood of a hoodedshirt, comprising: a first connector element operatively arranged to beremovably secured to a first side of the hood, the first connectorelement including: a first inferior component; a first superiorcomponent hingedly connected to the first inferior component; and, afirst support; and, a second connector element operatively arranged tobe removably secured to a second side of the hood, the second side beingopposite the first side, the second connector element including: asecond inferior component; a second superior component hingedlyconnected to the second inferior component; and, a second support;wherein the second connector element is operatively arranged to beremovably connected to the first connector element.
 2. The connectorassembly as recited in claim 1, wherein: the first connector elementcomprises a first magnet; the second connector element comprises asecond magnet; and, the second magnet is arranged to engage the firstmagnet to connect the second connector element to the first connectorelement.
 3. The connector assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein thefirst magnet is fixedly secured to the first support and the secondmagnet is fixedly secured to the second support.
 4. The connectorassembly as recited in claim 3, further comprising a third magnetconnected to the first support, wherein the first magnet is arranged ona first side of the support and faces a first direction and the thirdmagnet is arranged on a second side of the support and faces a seconddirection, the second direction being opposite the first direction. 5.The connector assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein: the firstconnector element further comprises a first lever rotatably connected tothe first inferior component; and, when the first lever is rotated in afirst rotational direction the first superior component is displacedtoward the first inferior component.
 6. The connector assembly asrecited in claim 5, wherein: the first connector element comprises afirst silicone layer; and, the first silicone layer is arranged at leastpartially on at least one of the first lever and the first support. 7.The connector assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first connector element and the second connector element comprises asilicone layer.
 8. The connector assembly as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a face covering assembly removably connectable to at leastone of the first connector element and the second connector element. 9.The connector assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the face coveringassembly comprises a decorative face cover.
 10. A connector assembly fora hood of a hooded shirt, comprising: a first connector elementoperatively arranged to be removably secured to a first side of thehood, the first connector element including: a first inferior component;a first superior component hingedly connected to the first inferiorcomponent; a first support; and, a first magnet connected to the firstsupport; and, a second connector element operatively arranged to beremovably secured to a second side of the hood, the second side beingopposite the first side, the second connector element including: asecond inferior component; a second superior component hingedlyconnected to the second inferior component; a second support; and, asecond magnet connected to the second support; wherein the second magnetis operatively arranged to engage the first magnet to removably connectthe second connector element to the first connector element.
 11. Theconnector assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first support isslidably engaged with the first inferior component and the secondsupport is slidably engaged with the second inferior component.
 12. Theconnector assembly as recited in claim 10, further comprising a thirdmagnet connected to the first support, wherein the first magnet isarranged on a first side of the support and faces a first direction andthe third magnet is arranged on a second side of the support and faces asecond direction, the second direction being opposite the firstdirection.
 13. The connector assembly as recited in claim 12, furthercomprising a face covering assembly removably connectable to the thirdmagnet.
 14. The connector assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein: thefirst connector element further comprises a first lever rotatablyconnected to the first inferior component; and, when the first lever isrotated in a first rotational direction the first superior component isdisplaced toward the first inferior component.
 15. The connectorassembly as recited in claim 14, wherein: the first connector elementcomprises a first silicone layer; and, the first silicone layer isarranged at least partially on at least one of the first lever and thefirst support.
 16. The connector assembly as recited in claim 10,wherein at least one of the first connector element and the secondconnector element comprises a silicone layer.
 17. The connector assemblyas recited in claim 10, further comprising a face covering assemblyremovably connectable to at least one of the first connector element andthe second connector element.
 18. The connector assembly as recited inclaim 17, wherein the face covering assembly comprises a decorative facecover.
 19. The connector assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein: atleast one of the first inferior component and the first superiorcomponent comprises one or more first teeth; and, at least one of thesecond inferior component and the second superior component comprisesone or more second teeth.
 20. A connector assembly for a clothinggarment, comprising: a first connector element operatively arranged tobe removably secured to a first side of the clothing garment, the firstconnector element including: a first inferior component; a firstsuperior component hingedly connected to the first inferior component; afirst support; and, a first magnet connected to the first support; asecond connector element operatively arranged to be removably secured toa second side of the clothing garment, the second side being oppositethe first side, the second connector element including: a secondinferior component; a second superior component hingedly connected tothe second inferior component; a second support; a second magnetconnected to a first side of the second support; and, a third magnetconnected to a second side of the second support, the second side beingopposite the first side, wherein the second magnet is operativelyarranged to engage the first magnet to removably connect the secondconnector element to the first connector element; and, a face coveringassembly operatively arranged to be removably connected to the thirdmagnet.